Dole Phasing Out Use of Paraquat

Dole Food Company started a phase out of using paraquat in its agricultural operations worldwide beginning with its pineapple operations. The program is the company’s response to developing marketplace conditions in Europe and elsewhere regarding the use of this herbicide, while also balancing needed compliance with the local regulatory requirements, Dole Food Company Inc. President and CEO David DeLorenzo said. In Costa Rica, the phase-out program extends to June 30, 2008. During the Costa Rica phase-out program, Dole will continue its practice of applying paraquat-containing herbicides only through mechanized equipment such as boom spray devices under supervised conditions.